Page 10 of Whiteout

"I'm sure Kris. Thanks again for taking me in today and taking care of me last night. I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble."

"Don't mention it, it's no trouble at all. You needed help, and I was happy to provide it. I'm going outside to get some more wood for the fire. It's getting a bit chilly in here."

I step outside, drawing in a deep breath of the cold mountain air. My eyes lock onto a small rabbit beside the wood pile. Its fur is standing on end, its body frozen in terror as soon as it senses my presence. It knows its place in this world at the bottom of the food chain, always running and looking over its shoulder. It’s nothing but prey, destined to be hunted, killed, and devoured by the stronger predators. I can practically taste the metallic tang of blood and the primal thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins. The chase, the capture, the fear, I live for it. The primal need inside of me to dominate and conquer.

When I beginto walk toward the woodpile, the rabbit bolts into the underbrush at the back of the clearing behind my cabin. Its small body is a blur of gray against the white snow.

It’s your lucky day bunny,I think to myself as I gather logs, stacking them in my arms. I toss a glance back toward the cabin, wondering what Ivy's doing inside. I might have let the rabbit run away, but I can't say the same for Cherry.

Coming back inside my cabin, the warmth hits me as soon as I open the door. Ivy stands in the kitchen, rummaging through the food we brought back from her cabin.

“Hey,” I call out, setting the wood down by the fireplace. "Are you hungry?”

“I'm starving now that the hangover isn't so bad. I didn't eat yesterday, I wanted to make it to the cabin before the storm hit. I planned on making dinner once I got settled in. That might be why the bourbon hit me so hard last night."

“Yeah, that could be. I can make us some lunch."

"Absolutely not! I can whip something up for us,” she says, her voice brightening as she turns back to the fridge. "It's the least I can do, you are letting me stay with you and invade your space."

I hop onto the kitchen island, watching her as she bends over to dig throughshelves stocked with condiments and leftovers. I love the way her leggings cling to her curves. Tight around her thighs and accentuating her every curve. Her ass is a work of art.

“Just let me know what you need,” I say, feigning casualness while heat rises within me. I think about how fucking good she felt sliding my cock into her last night. I know taking her ass would feel even better.

She stands up straight, holding a carton of eggs in one hand and some shredded cheese in the other. “I can make us an omelet. Do you have any veggies?”

"Yeah, peppers and spinach on the top shelf in the back. There is some ham in the drawer at the bottom. I'd like some in mine if you wouldn't mind." I hate meat in omelets, but if it means I can stare at her perfect ass a little longer as she bends over, I'll suffer through it.

“Perfect.” I whisper to myself as she bends down to open the drawer, or so I thought.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, just excited for this omelet. I'm starving." My gaze lingers on her as she moves about the kitchen, grabbing pans and utensils with a certain grace that captivates me.

“So… about last night…” she starts hesitantly.

I lean forwardslightly, intrigued by where this is going. “Yeah?”

“I’m really grateful you brought me back here and opened your home up to me.” She pauses to crack an egg into a bowl.

"Stop thanking me,I was happy to help. I'm just glad you weren't hurt, and that I was in the right place at the right time to get you somewhere warm. Knowing you're safe in my home is all the thanks I need.

“I guess so. It just feels strange waking up in someone else's house like this.”

Not just any home, Cherry. Our home. You'll get used to it.

I hop down from the counter. Coming up behind Ivy, I put my hand on the small of her back. "Excuse me Cherry, I'll grab you a cutting board."

Fuck.

Her head snaps in my direction. "Cherry?"

"Yeah, you smell like cherries. It's fucking delicious."

I can’t help but feel satisfaction at the sight of Ivy as her face flushes and that pretty shade of pink begins creeping down her neck. I want to reach out, to feel the heat radiating off her skin. Her breath hitches the closer I get, and I can’t resist closing the distance between us. Islide beside her, my arm brushing against hers. She doesn’t move to give me room like I thought she would.

“Do you always hover and crowd everyone in the kitchen?” She's teasing me, this is a step in the right direction.

“Only when there is a beautiful woman that I can’t stop thinking about touching around,” I reply smoothly. I lean in a little closer, my body brushing against hers, as I grab a cutting board from the shelf. My fingers brush against her hand, and for a moment, I linger there, letting our skin connect.

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